All articles tagged with #spiral arms
New gamma-ray burst echoes mapped two of the Milky Way’s largest spiral arms, suggesting they’re about 10% farther from Earth than previously thought. The finding implies the galaxy may be wider and more massive, with asymmetry in its shape, prompting scientists to revisit estimates of the Milky Way’s size and mass.
New measurements from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory and ESA’s XMM-Newton suggest the Milky Way’s spiral arms extend about 10% farther and are roughly 3,500 light-years wider than previously estimated, based on X-ray echoes from gamma-ray bursts reflecting off dust in three arms (Perseus, Outer, and Outer Scutum–Centaurus). This direct geometric approach could revise our understanding of the galaxy’s mass distribution, rotation, and overall structure, though gamma-ray bursts are rare and the data come from only a handful of usable events.
Astronomers used light echoes from gamma-ray bursts observed by NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory and ESA’s XMM-Newton to geometrically measure distances to dust clouds in the Milky Way’s spiral arms, finding the Outer and Outer Scutum-Centaurus arms are about 10% farther away than previously thought; the method could revise estimates of the Milky Way’s mass and arm structure, with the most distant arm’s dust cloud about 3,500 light-years thick and only a handful of usable GRBs observed over 25 years.
Astronomers used X-ray echoes from rare gamma-ray bursts observed by NASA’s Chandra and ESA’s XMM-Newton to geometrically measure dust rings in the Milky Way’s spiral arms, finding the outer arms extend farther than previously known (one distant dust cloud about 3,500 light-years across). This geometry-based method, not dependent on the galaxy’s rotation, could prompt revisions to estimates of the Milky Way’s mass and structure, though its data are limited by the rarity of bright gamma-ray bursts.
Astronomers using X-ray data from NASA’s Chandra and ESA’s XMM-Newton measure dust-ring geometry created by distant gamma-ray bursts to map the Milky Way’s outer spiral arms, finding the arm in the far reaches is about 3,500 light-years wide and implying a potential update to the Galaxy’s size and mass; the method offers a geometry-based alternative to rotation-based estimates but relies on rare bright bursts, so more observations are needed.
Astronomers are using individual stars to map the structures and history of the Milky Way. The first major effort to study the galaxy's formation began in the 1960s, but new data from the Gaia satellite has revealed surprising findings. The Milky Way's bulge is peanut-shaped and part of a larger bar, the galaxy itself is warped, and the thick disk is flared. The number of spiral arms and the overall structure of the galaxy are still being debated. This new understanding challenges the traditional view of the Milky Way as a simple and well-ordered galaxy.
Astronomers are reimagining the formation and growth of the Milky Way by studying its uneven shape and ability to form planets. Using data from the Gaia satellite, astronomers have discovered that the Milky Way is not as neat and calm as previously thought. The galaxy's bulge is peanut-shaped and part of a larger bar, while the galaxy itself is warped. The thick disk is flared and may have formed before the halo. Astronomers are uncertain about the number of spiral arms the galaxy has. The Milky Way's spiral arms, including the Perseus and Norma arms, are more similar to other distant galaxies than previously believed.
Astronomers have made a significant discovery in understanding the formation of stars and planets by observing three large spiral arms distributing materials to early-stage stars in a developing triple stellar system. The spiral arms act as "streamers," supplying gas to the young stars, which grow by absorbing it. This finding provides valuable insights into the origins of streamers and sheds light on the complexities of multiple stellar systems. The researchers used radio telescopes and computer simulations to support their observations and hope to determine if their findings are an anomaly or a common process in star formation.
The James Webb Space Telescope has captured a stunning image of the Whirlpool galaxy, also known as M51 or NGC 5194, located 27 million light-years away from Earth. The image reveals the intricate spiral arms of the galaxy, which are believed to be influenced by its nearby dwarf galaxy companion, NGC 5195. The telescope used its infrared instruments to capture the image, showcasing warm filamentary dust and ionized gas in vibrant colors. The composite image combines data from the Near-Infrared Camera and the Mid-Infrared Instrument, providing a detailed view of the galactic structure. This observation is part of a series aimed at studying the interplay between stellar feedback and star formation in extragalactic environments.
Astronomers from the University of Arizona have discovered a giant exoplanet, MWC 758c, that is believed to be responsible for the spiral arms observed in its infant planetary system. This finding provides evidence that giant planets can generate spiral arms in protoplanetary disks. The planet's red color, making it difficult to detect, suggests it may be enshrouded by dust or colder than expected. The researchers plan to use the James Webb Space Telescope in 2024 to further study the planet and determine its characteristics. This discovery could help refine planet formation models and improve exoplanet detection strategies.
Astronomer Keith Hawkins has used chemical cartography to identify previously undetected regions of the Milky Way's spiral arms. Chemical maps, which show the distribution of elements in the galaxy, allow astronomers to locate celestial objects based on their chemical composition. By mapping the metallicity (ratio of metals to hydrogen) in the Milky Way, Hawkins found that areas with higher metallicity aligned with the spiral arms, confirming their existence. This technique has the potential to transform our understanding of the galaxy's structure and formation. The Gaia space telescope, along with other powerful telescopes, is revolutionizing the study of the Milky Way by providing precise and comprehensive data on its chemical composition.
Astronomers have discovered a giant exoplanet, MWC 758c, that is responsible for shaping the spiral arms in the protoplanetary disk around its parent star. This red-hued exoplanet, located around 500 light-years from Earth, is estimated to be just a few million years old. The discovery provides evidence that giant planets can form early on and gravitationally alter their environment for the formation of smaller planets. The researchers plan to use the James Webb Space Telescope in 2024 to further study this system and apply their findings to other stellar systems.
Astronomer Keith Hawkins has used chemical cartography to identify previously undetected regions of the Milky Way's spiral arms. Chemical maps, which show the distribution of elements throughout the galaxy, allow astronomers to locate celestial objects based on their chemical composition. By analyzing the metallicity (ratio of metals to hydrogen) of stars, Hawkins created a map that revealed new regions of the spiral arms. This pioneering technique, made possible by powerful telescopes like the Gaia space telescope, has the potential to transform our understanding of the Milky Way's structure and formation.
Astronomers have discovered a gas giant exoplanet within the spiral arms of a young star, providing evidence that these arms are caused by giant planets. The star, surrounded by a protoplanetary disk, is still in the process of forming and the gravity of the exoplanet, named MWC 758c, is drawing debris from the disk into the arms. This observation supports the theory that giant planets form early on and play a role in the formation of planetary systems. The discovery was made using the Large Binocular Telescope Interferometer (LBTI), which scans longer, redder wavelengths in the infrared range.
A new study published in Nature Astronomy suggests that giant planets may be responsible for the formation of spiral arms in star systems. The researchers used a computer simulation to model how the gas giant exoplanet MWC 758c could have sculpted the protoplanetary disk in which it resides, stretching the surrounding gas into long arms. The redness of MWC 758c made it difficult to detect, but the team used a red-sensitive telescope to confirm its existence. The findings could help in the search for hidden planets in other stellar systems, with further observations planned using the James Webb Space Telescope.